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@article{209112,
        author = {Mr. Ditto K P and Ms. Sreelakshmi K A and Ms. Fathima Mirsha M P and Mr. Sugeeth M and Mr. Muhammed Unais H and Ms. Tesrin Thomas and Ms. Sheethal Sabu and Mrs. Rakhi Das},
        title = {Knowledge And Attitude Regarding Alternative Menstrual Products Among Young Women},
        journal = {International Journal of Innovative Research in Technology},
        year = {2026},
        volume = {13},
        number = {5},
        pages = {850-855},
        issn = {2349-6002},
        url = {https://ijirt.org/article?manuscript=209112},
        abstract = {Background: Menstrual health and hygiene are essential to women’s reproductive health and well-being. Although disposable sanitary pads remain widely used, alternative menstrual products such as menstrual cups, period panties and tampons offer potential economic and environmental benefits. However, cultural beliefs, misconceptions and lack of practical information may influence their acceptance.
Objectives: To assess knowledge and attitude regarding alternative menstrual products among young women, determine their association with selected socio-demographic variables, examine the relationship between knowledge and attitude, and distribute an information booklet. Methodology: A quantitative, non-experimental descriptive design was adopted among 75 young women aged 17–21 years at St. Mary’s College, Thrissur, Kerala, selected through non-probability convenience sampling. Data were collected from 27 February to 7 March 2026 using a structured tool comprising socio-demographic variables, a 20-item knowledge questionnaire and a 20-item five-point Likert attitude scale. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, chi-square test and Karl Pearson correlation coefficient. Results: Of the 75 participants, 47 (64%) had adequate knowledge, 16 (25%) had moderate knowledge and 12 (11%) had inadequate knowledge. Regarding attitude, 45 (60%) had a positive attitude, 26 (34.67%) had a neutral attitude and 4 (5.33%) had a negative attitude. Most participants, 64 (85.33%), used commercial sanitary pads, while 6 (8%) used menstrual cups and 3 (4%) used period panties. No significant association was found between knowledge or attitude and the selected socio-demographic variables. A strong positive correlation was observed between knowledge and attitude (r = 0.898, p < 0.001).
Conclusion: Although most participants demonstrated adequate knowledge and a positive attitude, utilization of alternative menstrual products remained low. The strong positive correlation between knowledge and attitude highlights the need for structured menstrual health education, counselling and accessible information to support safe and informed menstrual product choices.},
        keywords = {Menstrual health, menstrual hygiene, alternative menstrual products, menstrual cup, knowledge, attitude, young women, health education, reproductive health.},
        month = {October},
        }